Spring into Basingstoke and Deane for days out with the kids at our top family attractions
1. Get blown away at iFLY
Basingstoke is proud to be one of only four iFLY indoor skydiving locations in the UK where you can experience the feeling of freefall as you float on a smooth cushion of air. Welcoming flyers aged from three upwards and all abilities. iFLY is located on Basingstoke Leisure Park. You will find plenty of other activities to make a day of it here including Milestones Museum (more below!), Hollywood Bowl, Odeon, the Aquadrome, Knights Realm Adventure Golf and plenty of free parking.
Find out more about iFLY →
2. Head back in time at Milestones Museum, Hampshire’s museum of living history
Stroll along the cobbled streets and travel through time from the age of the Victorians to the 1930s, 1940s and beyond. There is something for all ages, from vintage vehicles, Mr Simpson’s teddy bear museum, traditional penny arcade and retro arcade games. Did you know that with your ticket, you can visit as many times as you like within one year from the date of purchase and under-fives are free?
Find out more about Milestones Museum →
3. Enjoy a great day at The Vyne National Trust
The Vyne National Trust is a former Tudor powerhouse turned 17th Century family home, set in gardens, woodlands and wetlands located just four miles North of Basingstoke town centre. Explore the intimate house, wander through rooms once enjoyed by notable guests like Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Jane Austen. Explore the outdoors, take part in a trail, discover secret picnic spots and woodlands, little ones can go wild in the natural play area created especially for very young children. Keep the family refreshed with a visit to the Tudor Tea room. Keep an eye on events taking place throughout this year including live music, outdoor cinema, outdoor theatre, trails and picnics.
Find out more about The Vyne →
4. Explore Whitchurch including Whitchurch Silk Mill
Surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside and sweeping chalk downland, much of this charming town is a conservation area and contains many listed and notable buildings, including Whitchurch Silk Mill. Watch the looms and waterwheel in operation, see various exhibitions and visit the café of Britain’s only working Silk Mill still operating in its original building. The crystal-clear waters of the River Test flow through the centre of Whitchurch and have provided the silk mill with its power for over 200 years. Tickets for under-fives are free. Discover more of Whitchurch on one of the many walks including a family fun walk with quiz and The Mill Trail. Whitchurch is easily reached off the A34 (south) and M3 from Winchester, A34 (north) and M4 from Newbury and the A303 from the southwest.
Find out more about Whitchurch Silk Mill →
5. Create memories at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park and Family Farm
Expect fun, adventure, farming and nature at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park. There’s several play zones including a petting barn, tractor rides, laser tag, giant slides, pedal boats, inflatables and more. In the summer the centre of the park becomes its on own beach with pools, a slip slide and a large sand pit….you can even expect deck chairs to chill in the sun! All activities are included within the ticket price, so once you pay you can play all day. Also, parking on site is completely free as long as you have paid entry. 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park is easily accessible off the A339 in between Basingstoke and Newbury. Ticket prices vary by age and children under the age of one visit free.
Find out more about 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park and Family Farm →
6. Basing Wood
Located to the north of Basingstoke near Popley and Chineham is Basing Wood where you can enjoy the vast expanse of woodland all year round. Visit for a crisp wintery walk, den building in autumn, a picnic in spring or butterfly watching in summer. You’ll find three main walking trails, large open spaces and picnic benches. The kids will enjoy a nature play area including swings, rocks to climb, tree stumps to navigate and a large concrete tunnel to scramble through. Full of interesting wildlife and insects, you may be lucky enough to spot deer, fallow, rabbits or even froglets and the protected great crested newts in the natural pond by the play area.
Find out more about Basing Wood →
7. Crabtree Plantation
Just minutes from Basingstoke town centre, Crabtree Plantation can be entered via the arch off the A30 between Old Basing and Basingstoke or from Black Dam Ponds car park area. Park in the free car park and you are met with beautiful woods, open fields with fantastic views across the borough. Great for walking, cycling, flying a kite or just take a picnic, stop, relax and enjoy the surroundings and wildlife. Follow one of the main woodland paths, which is suitable for prams and the land will drop to reveal a children’s play area. From here venture through the nature reserve and the underpass to Black Dam Ponds. Children will enjoy the secure play park, watching the swans and mallards and spotting the abundance of wildlife on the ponds.
Find out about Crabtree Plantation →
8. Beggarwood Park
Beggarwood Park as a great place to spend a few hours on a weekend. The park includes a children’s play area which is suitable for toddlers and those up to the age of 12. There is a pump track for BMX and mountain bikers, skateboarders, roller bladers and scooter riders. Outside of the park and pump track there is plenty of open space to enjoy. If, after all the fresh air, you are in need of some refreshments then the Café in the Park and Beggarwood Community Centre is open on weekends and the Holly Blue pub adjoins the park and has a menu packed with traditional favourites and modern dishes.
Find out more about Beggarwood Park →
9. Eastrop Park
Located just a short walk from Basingstoke town centre, this popular park is the perfect place to pack a picnic to spend a sunny summers day. The park includes a boating lake, seasonal padding pool, tree trail, trim trail and children’s play area. It benefits from two car parks on the site but can also be reached with ease by cycling or walking with pathways throughout the park, suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. If it’s a hot day, you can always cool down with an ice cream or cold drink served from the boathouse. Eastrop Park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2024 for the 25th year running.
Find out more about Eastrop Park →
Stay up to date
Subscribe to the Love Basingstoke newsletter for inspiration direct to your inbox.